The Big Listen is an independent project supporting more connection in local communities. The simple art of listening well (and be listened to) can create more harmony, tackle isolation and loneliness and be the boost we need to to create positive change in our own lives and in the wider community. It is a simple and safe model that can be replicated wherever there is the will to connect more.

The idea for The Big Listen was sparked by seeing the division caused by world events over the past few years. It sometimes feels that these events, Brexit, various elections, and the events of 2020 have brought about levels of fear, mistrust and disconnection which many of us have not experienced before in our lifetimes.

I truly believe that the human spirit is amazing and that we share far more in Common, the love of our families and the desire to be happy and healthy, and that these shared concerns are far stronger than any of the divisions brought about by politics, race or religion.

There are many wonderful projects happening in the world to try to bring people together in these difficult times. The Big Listen is one of them. It comes from a model called 'Listening Partnerships developed by Patty Wipfler, Founder of not for profit organisation Hand in Hand Parenting. This listening tool has helped many thousands of parents give and receive the kind of non-judgmental support essential for the tough, emotional work of parenting. As an Instructor with Hand in Hand Parenting I have experienced first hand how helpful being listened to and listening to others in this way can be and now wish to share this fabulous tool with anyone who would like to experience a more connection and feel valued and supported.

The Big Listen is not a place to win support for your views, however valid they are. You can certainly work on your feelings about anything but please don't try to convince others that you have the best analysis of the current events around you. It is a place where we can help one another safely offload any feelings of helplessness or isolation and also celebrate the good stuff in life. We listen with full respect for each other and a confidentiality agreement is required to take part.

Our aim in listening in this way, is to rediscover that we have much more in common than what divides us.

We all want a world in which we, our families and our neighbours are safe and cared for. Listening to each other helps us to find our own best thinking for how to move forward with that.

I look forward to listening with you

Sarah Charlton